Domingo to coach Proteas T20I squad

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced the appointment of Russell Domingo as coach of the South Africa T20 squad for the summer series against New Zealand and Pakistan. Domingo will lead the squad for three T20I's against New Zealand over the Christmas period and the two scheduled against Pakistan in March 2013.

The move will allow for the effective management of the Proteas' squads in the three respective formats, under the leadership of Gary Kirsten who remains accountable for all the squads.

Proteas Head Coach, Gary Kirsten said: "I believe this decision is a positive move to creating a more sustainable and balanced coaching approach. It's common best practice around the world, and we feel it will give us the platform to spread our coaching resources efficiently.

"I have worked closely with Russell over the past 18 months and I'm confident he will do a great job. He fully understands the Proteas culture and will be able to build that culture with the new crop of T20 players we will be blooding this season.

"This will also give me the opportunity to diligently cover our preparation for the test and ODI series against New Zealand and Pakistan this summer as well as spend more time with my young family."

Leadership and character development has been a key feature of Kirsten's tenure as the Proteas' Head Coach, with the flexibility also aiding in strengthening the team's senior coaching structure.

Kirsten will remain involved in team selection and the rolling out of playing strategies, and will continue to work closely with Domingo in nurturing and maintaining the team culture and environment. Domingo will oversee the squad's preparation and daily activities, with the help from the senior coaching staff consisting of Allan Donald, Rob Walter and Paddy Upton.

Domingo was excited about the challenge: " I'm extremely honoured and excited about coaching the T20 squad. Coaching at the highest level has always been a goal of mine and I'm looking forward to building on the foundation we have set for this format. I have enjoyed working with Gary since he took charge, and I am determined to ensure that we continually improve in this format and continue to cultivate a successful team culture and environment."

CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul commented: "Russell has been one of the unsung heroes behind the Proteas success over the past year and this is a natural progression for him to be given this added responsibility.

"He did an outstanding job in leading the Chevrolet Warriors franchise to the limited overs double and taking them to the final of the Champions League T20 before joining the Proteas set-up. During his time at the Warriors they became substantial contributors to the Proteas playing resources.

"During that time he also showed the foresight to appoint Gary Kirsten as a batting consultant - his first major coaching role - and he and Gary have continued to work well together as a team.

"I congratulate Russell on his appointment which is well merited and know that he will make an important contribution to the continued success of the Proteas."